MXPA98009076A - Water filter on mounted and vert line - Google Patents

Abstract

A pouring device (10) for water filtration feeding by gravity includes a chamber (11) which houses a spiral filter containing a biocidal material and an annular retention chamber, a spiral filter (30, 80) and the retention chamber (64), several porous separating discs, a volume of filter media and a membrane (70) are located underneath, for the cysts forming parasites below the spiral filter and the clamping chamber. The device (10) is effective in that it significantly reduces the amount of bacteria, viruses and parasite-forming parasites present in the filtered water. The filtering device is a fully adjustable design for use in the municipal water supply system and other systems. The configuration of the flow path can be a thin channel of minimum thickness coated with granular active material to improve the efficiency of the filtering and treatment process while keeping flow resistance to a minimum. The spiral or helical geometry lends itself to a compact arrangement where space is limited. The fluid channel coated with granular material interrupts the laminar flow and creates an inhospitable environment for the growth of contaminating bactericidal substances such as a biofilm typically found and described in water lines for dental treatment.

Description

WATER FILTER ON MOUNTED AND SPILLED LINE DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION This application is a partial continuation of Application No. 08 / 641,762, filed on May 2, 1996, still pending, and claims the benefit of the US Provisional Application. . No. 032,315, filed December 9, 1996 and the US Provisional Application. No. 60 / 038,826, filed February 6, 1997. In general, this invention relates to devices for the treatment of water, and more specifically, to a device and method for removing microbiological substances, pesticides and substances with water from the water. parasites forming cyst or metallic substances. The device of the present invention has characteristics that make it optimal for use in a pouring unit, in a pressurized water system in line or in a municipal water treatment plant. Various types of contaminants are found in water, and often, central water treatment plants can not remove all of these contaminants. For example, herbicides, pesticides and PCB chemicals applied to the land or used in industries can enter drinking water due to improper application, spills or industrial discharges. Inorganic compounds, which are naturally found in the environment, can enter the water as they pass through rocks or soil. There may be organic compounds in drinking water as a result of incorrect application of agricultural chemicals, spills or industrial discharges during manufacturing processes. Also worrying are the bacteria, viruses and parasites that form cysts that survive the municipal treatment of water. This is increasingly a problem due to the population growth of susceptible individuals according to the focus of amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act (August 6, 1996). Another reference is entitled "Sensitive Populations: Who is at Greatest Risk?" - International Journal of Food Microbiology, vol. 30, 1996, pages 113 to 123 inclusive. The parasites that form more cysts common are Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidi um excreted by animals. These two types of parasites are sometimes found in drinking water systems that use surface water as their primary source. In the prior art many have been proposed portable filtration devices, of which one is aware. There are several pouring points none of which claim a microbiological reduction. Other non-vertebral units claim microbial reduction, but are mainly aimed at improving the aspects aesthetics of water, that is, taste, smell and / or color.

U.S. Patent No. 5,076,922 issued to DeAre discloses a filtration apparatus for use with a water container. The filter is filled with a combination of conventional resin and activated carbon that attracts lead and chlorine to improve the taste and quality of the water. However, this type of filter can not effectively reduce microbes such as bacteria, viruses and parasites. The microbes include bacteria, viruses and parasites that form cysts. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,116,500, granted to Ceaton, a portable drinking water purification device is revealed. The water that passes through the filter meets anthracite and an ion exchange material before entering a spiral structure containing activated carbon. U.S. Pat. No. 5,308,482, issued to Mead, reveals a portable water purification device designed to eliminate bacteria and viruses. The filter provides a microbicidal resin, specifically iodine, in the course of the flow, which increases the contact time of the water with the iodine, and a containment receptacle to expose the water to the iodine, and a post-filter volume of carbon from the iodine. firewood activated. The reference does not reveal the removal of cysts-forming parasites.

Generally, pressurized water purification devices are more effective at reducing bacteria, viruses and cysts-forming parasites. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,205,932, issued to Solomon et al., Discloses a pressurized, in-line water purification box that includes five sequential steps of bateriostatic purification, each of which employs a respective medium: a polymer globule, a copper-zinc alloy, magnesium dioxide, an ion exchange anion resin and activated carbon. The combination of water treatment prevents bacterial growth and removes or significantly reduces the amount of organic and inorganic contaminants in the water. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,407,573, issued to Hughes, discloses a water filter arranged in line in a water supply pipe. The filter includes a plurality of aligned cameras. The water passes through a first chamber containing biocidal material such as iodine and then into a prolonged contact chamber to allow a longer contact time between the biocide and any microorganism in the water. The water then passes through a biocide removal chamber, a chamber containing a bacteriostatic medium and a membrane screen for parasite-forming cysts. These devices are not portable and are not suitable for use with pouring elements such as, for example, a water container. With respect to the water filtration industry, the 80s were characterized by water filtration devices adapted primarily to provide water with better taste (eg, with the use of granular activated charcoal systems. of a population with a higher average life and a growing concern for a healthier life, the water filtration industry in the 90s has shown a greater concern for the removal of bacteria and / or cystic and toxic materials, particularly in representation of individuals suffering from various diseases (eg: AIDS) and who could be at risk from consuming unfiltered or dirty water To avoid these problems, the water filtration industry tends to resort to systems, such as backstops , located under the parts of sinks, and online systems that are generally considered capable of removing bacteria, believing in addition that reci filters Pans that act by gravitation can not meet these objectives. Accordingly, an object of this invention is to provide an improved filter for pouring water, such as a unit mounted in a container.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved portable water filter adapted for use with a container. Also, another object of the invention is to provide an improved water filter to remove microbes such as cysts forming parasites, bacteria and viruses. Another object of the invention is to provide an improved water filter that allows an extended contact path with biocidal substances. Likewise, another object is to provide a pouring unit for the removal of bacteria from the water. Another object is to provide an adjustable filter design that can be applied or used in municipal water supply systems, portable systems, in-line systems, by providing a narrow channel flow path coated with biocidal substances that interrupt laminar flow and ensure turbulent contact with the stream of water entering the canal and biocidal materials. Another object of the invention is to provide the unique reduction-oxidation cycling that can be substantially more effective in eliminating microbes. In addition, another object of the invention is to provide an improved method of filtering water that results in the significant removal of cysts forming parasites, bacteria and viruses. Another object of the invention is to provide an improved method of filtering water that provides a fluid path that interrupts laminar flow, making the method useful to avoid the accumulation of biofilm, either in the filter and generally in the water lines, and to generally improve the effectiveness of the biocidal material by increasing its contact with the water to be purified. These and other objects are achieved by the water filter and the water filtering method of the present invention. The present invention provides a filter for purifying a liquid such as water. The filter comprises a member defining one or more channels each of which has an input and an output. In one embodiment, each channel is coated with at least one material reactive with the liquid flowing through the channel. Preferably, the material eliminates microbes, removes other toxins such as certain metals, especially heavy metals, from the filtering liquid, or complements the water with beneficial or desirable nutrients including food substances. To achieve microbiological reduction in the liquid, the bioactive material is preferably KDF material of any specific formulation (typically 55 or 85% copper). The placement of these materials provides a rapid fluctuation of the reduction-oxidation cycle to efficiently eliminate the microbes present in the liquid. To achieve compactness, the channel can be arranged in a spiral or helical configuration. Also included in the scope of this invention is the provision of a multiplicity of spiral or helical flow paths in a concentric type relation to each other. The filter according to the invention is preferred for use as a pour filter unit mounted in a container with gravity feed. However, the scale geometry of the filter allows its use in municipal water supply systems, in in-line filtration systems or in other types of filtration systems known to those skilled in the art. A highly preferred feature of said filters is that which relates to the coating of the channel with the reactive material in combination with narrowly spaced channel walls such that the material interrupts the laminar flow and forces the liquid to interact intimately with said material in a Turbulent current ratio, low resistance. In a preferred embodiment, this type of laminar flow reduction is achieved by spacing the side walls of the channel by a distance from each other equal to about one or two thicknesses of the average granular size of the material. According to another feature of this invention, a pour filter unit mounted in a gravity fed container is provided, comprising a member defining a channel having an inlet and an outlet. The channel includes at least one material with which the fluid that enters the channel through the inlet is reactive to achieve bacteriological reduction in the liquid that leaves through the other mouth. According to another feature of the invention, a filter adapted for placement in a container for purifying the water flowing through the filter under the influence of gravity only, comprises a box that includes an inlet through which the water is received, and a exit mouth through which the water comes out of the filter. A membrane for the parasite-forming cysts is placed in the box to remove these parasites from the water. According to other specific embodiments of this invention, it provides a filter for purifying a liquid such as water. The filter includes a box having an inlet through which liquid is received, and an outlet orifice. The spiral filter structure includes a tape wound spirally or helically, in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, to form a core with a central opening and an outlet at a spiral end thereof. . The tape has adhered various biocidal granules. The inlet opening of the box conducts the liquid through the spiral or helical filter structure via the central core and the liquid leaves said structure at the end of the tape wound in a spiral shape. Alternatively, the filter structure can be formed by concentrically stratified cylinders or horizontal layers. An annular holding chamber, adapted to receive the liquid exiting the spiral structure, is placed between the spiral filter structure and the box. The annular retention chamber includes a plurality of exit holes. A volume of filter media is provided through which the liquid passes, after leaving the holding chamber through the plurality of exit holes. The liquid flows in contact with the filter media and leaves the box through the outlet orifice. Preferably, the biocidal substance includes a bioactive metal, such as copper-zinc alloy or a halogenated resin, such as iodine, or both. If the biocidal substance is an alloy of copper-zinc and iodine, it is preferred that the copper-zinc-iodine alloy be fixed to the tape repeatedly and alternately, or that the copper-zinc alloy be fixed at about 1/3 or less. 1/2 of the tape and the iodine is fixed to the rest of the tape, in any order. If it is stratified, the alternative spaces may contain a copper-zinc or iodine alloy. It is also preferred that the tape be made of polyester (such as mylar) or polyethylene or other rigid inert material capable of providing the active granules and of being rolled or molded into a spiral or helix, and the filter media include activated charcoal . According to one aspect of the invention, a lower portion of the exterior of the spiral filter structure forming the outlet is sealed to the spiral filter structure in such a way that the spiral filter structure forms a sediment trap and causes the fluid level in the spiral filter channel is higher and, therefore, minimizes the volume of air contained in the fluid path. An upper porous separating disc, preferably formed of porous polyethylene, may be disposed between the annular retaining chamber and the volume of the filter medium. A diffuser screen can also be placed between the separating disk and the annular retention chamber. The diffusing screen distributes the liquid entering the volume of filter media through a plurality of exit holes over the entire surface area of the screen.

Preferably, the volume of filter media is contained between the lower and upper spacer discs. It is preferred to provide a membrane for the cysts forming parasites, formed of a porous polycarbonate or polyester material, below the volume of filter media. Preferably, the porous material includes a plurality of pores with a diameter of 3 microns or less. According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the spiral or helical filter structure can be replaced with a helical structure. It is also preferred that the filter be of the pour type disposed in a container. The present invention also provides a method for filtering a liquid such as water. The liquid is introduced into a filter such that said liquid traverses a long path in intimate contact with at least one cycle of a first and a second biocidal material. When leaving the filter, the liquid is driven by a volume of filter media and is passed through a membrane for parasite-forming cysts, in any sequence. After leaving the filter, the liquid is conducted through a volume of filter media and is passed through a membrane for parasite-forming cysts in any of the sequences or vice versa (sic).

According to a preferred embodiment, two or more biocidal materials are selected to provide a rapid cycle of reduction-oxidation fluctuation, wherein said cycle eliminates the microbes present in the liquid. Preferably, the two or more biocidal materials are an alloy of copper-zinc and iodine, in any order, consecutively or in alternative succession. According to a preferred embodiment, the long path is provided using a spiral filter structure which includes a spirally wound tape in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, to form a core with a central opening and an outlet in the direction of rotation. the outside thereof, in which case the biocidal materials are held in place by the tape, and the liquid enters the filter in the central core and leaves the spiral filter structure at the outlet to enter the holding chamber. According to another preferred embodiment, the long path is provided by using a helical filter structure that includes a spiral wound tape and an inlet and outlet on the outside thereof. The biocide materials are held in place by the tape and the liquid enters the filter at the inlet and exits the spiral filter structure at the outlet to enter the holding chamber.

According to another preferred embodiment, the long path is provided by using a helical filter structure that includes a helically wound tape and an inlet and outlet on the outside thereof, in which case the liquid flows radially. The first and second biocidal material is held in place by the tape, and the liquid enters the filter through the inlet and exits the spiral filter structure through the outlet to enter the holding chamber. Alternatively, the long path may be provided by concentric cylindrical layers or horizontal layers, in which case the liquid flows in a linear fashion. If it is not necessary that there be a compact arrangement and a long arrangement is desirable or permissible, the path may be straight, that is, not helical or spiral. The present invention also provides a reduction-oxidation cycle or a reduction-oxidation method to remove biological organisms. Biological organisms are exposed to a first biocidal material over a period of time, and said biocidal material increases or decreases the number of electrons surrounding the biological organism. Biological organisms are then exposed to a second biloid material for a period of time, the second biocidal material increases or decreases the number of electrons in biological organisms. The cyclical fluctuation in the concentration and electrical potential of electrons in the immediate environment of biological organisms eliminates these organisms or renders them inactive. Preferably, the first biocidal material is iodine, and the second biocidal material is a copper-zinc alloy such as KDF. The present invention is further directed to a method of manufacturing a filter element. A tape support substrate is provided, onto which adhesive is placed on selected areas of the substrate. Thus, at least one biocidal material and a pesticide come into contact with the adhesive to adhere to the substrate. The adhesive may be disposed only on one side of the substrate, or on both sides thereof. The manufacturing method can also comprise the step of winding the substrate spirally or helically so as to form a spiral structure in such a way that only the biocidal or pesticidal material limits the contact of one turn of the substrate with the next consecutive turn. of the substrate. Another aspect of the invention provides a method of manufacturing a filter element, comprising the steps of providing a tape support substrate, spirally winding the substrate to form a spiral structure with spaces formed between each turn of the substrate and the next turn. of the substrate, and spray or otherwise fill in spaces with at least one biocide material or pesticide. Alternatively, the tape support structure can be wound helically to form a helical structure with spaces formed between each turn of the substrate and the next consecutive turn of the substrate, and the spaces are filled with at least one biocidal material and one pesticide . BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS re 1 is a schematic perspective view of the water filtration device according to the present invention. re 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the water filtration device inserted into a container. re 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 3-3 of re 1. re 4 is a cross-sectional plane view taken along lines 4-4 of re 1. re 4a is a cross-sectional plane view, similar to re 4, of an alternative embodiment of the water filtration device according to the present invention.

Figure 5 is a schematic view of the tape of the filtration device. Figure 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the filter of the present invention. Figure 7 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of a water filtering device according to the present invention. Figure 8 is a perspective view of the first of the two parts of the filter of Figure 7. Figure 9 is a perspective view of a spiral retention cup used in the first part of the filter of Figure 8. Figure 10 is a top plan view of the cup of Figure 9. Figure 11 is a perspective view of the second part of the filter, or lower part, of the embodiment of Figure 7. Figure 12 is an enlarged view of a cutting of the filtering mechanisms of the second part of the filter of Figure 11. Figure 13 is a schematic illustration of the pre-filter and the corrosion membrane or another membrane for parasites used in the second part of the filter of the Figure 12 Figure 14 is a schematic illustration of the equipment for fixing the pre-filter and the corrosion membrane of Figure 13. Figure 15 is a schematic illustration, partially cut, of a manufacturing step for modeling a spiral ribbon used. in the present invention. Figure 16 is a schematic, partially cut-away illustration of a manufacturing step in which the tape is extruded. Figure 17 is a schematic, partially cutaway illustration of a manufacturing step for applying KDF or other types of biocidal materials to one or both surfaces of the belt manufactured according to the process of Figures 15 or 16. Figure 18 is a schematic, partial-cut illustration of a manufacturing step for the modeling of a triple spiral previously covered with KDF or another material to be used as spiral material of unitary construction. Figures 19-21 are schematic illustrations showing other features of the triple scroll to be used in the embodiments of the filter of this invention. Figure 22 is an expanded view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention usable as a replaceable cartridge for filtering water in a container. . Figure 23 is a schematic final view of a triple spiral filter according to the present invention; and Figure 24 is a schematic final view of a double triple spiral filter. Figures 1-5 are an illustration of an embodiment of a water filtration device 10 according to the present invention which is effective in removing bacteria and viruses and removing parasites that form cysts. As will be described in more detail below, the device 10 includes a single spiral or helical filter 30, 80, which preferably includes a first portion containing a first biocidal material followed by a second portion containing a second biocidal material. By using an alloy of copper and zinc and iodine as the first and second biocidal material, the spiral or helical filter advantageously provides a single reduction-oxidation cycle in which biological organisms find it difficult to survive. The water filtration device 10 also advantageously includes a volume or filtration means 64, such as activated charcoal and / or ion exchange resins to remove lead and other heavy metals, chlorine, pesticides or organic substances and act as an agent for water softening. A membrane for cyst-forming parasites 70 is also provided in the device 10 to remove said parasites from the water. These unique features of the device 10 of the present invention are arranged in a compact form to provide a gravity feed discharge filter, especially suitable for use with a water container, as shown in Figure 2. Water entering the device through the inlet port 12, and flowing through the spiral or helical filter 30, 80 in intimate contact with the biocidal materials, and through the volume of media of filtration and the membrane for parasite-forming cysts, exits through the outlet mouth 20 of the device with substantially reduced levels of potentially toxic organisms usually found in water. The unique configuration of the helical or spiral filter 30, 80 also advantageously prevents the fluid passing through the filter from reaching the laminar flow therethrough. The filter 30, 80 is generally made of a ribbon or other surface with biocidal materials disposed thereon wound in the spiral or helical form of the filter. The resulting channel through which the fluid moves includes physical and mechanical properties that create turbulence, and that therefore prevent the laminar flow that is conducive to the growth of bacteria on the surface of the channel. The resulting filter is more toxic to bacteria and therefore the turbulence created by the filter maximizes the bactericidal effect of the biocidal resin. It will be appreciated that this aspect of the invention can be adapted for use as an in-line filter, either by coating the surface of the conduit with a biocidal material or providing, for example, a filter at the distal end of the water line. More specifically, with particular reference to Figure 1, the water filtration device 10 includes the inlet 12, a box 11 and an outlet 18. The box 11 generally includes an outer circumferential wall a, a top surface 11b and a bottom surface 11c. The outlet 18 may be a hole 20 fixed to an outlet tube, as shown in Figure 2, or alternatively, the outlet 18 may be a plurality of holes 24 in the bottom surface 11c, as shown in Figure 1. With respect to Figure 2, the water filtration device 10 is shown installed in a container 25. The container 25 can be any conventional container, and generally includes a handle 26, a spout 27 and a cover 28. The device 10 is placed in such a way that the water entering the device 10 at the inlet 12 must pass through the device before entering the container 25 via the outlet 18. In this way, the device 10 is usually called in the industry pouring unit. The device 10 can be maintained in position within the container 25 in any suitable and conventional manner. An example is shown in Figure 2, wherein the box 11 of the device 10 includes an edge 13 that can rest on a circumferential cutout 25a of the upper edge 25b of the container 25. Alternative means of keeping the device 10 in position within the container 25 they may include, for example, a filter holder formed in the container receiving the device 10, or a holder that is in contact with the bottom of the container to hold the device 10. Preferably, the container 25 includes a removable receptacle 29 that it is on the upper edge 25b of the container 25 on which the lid 28 rests. The water is collected in the receptacle 29, it moves through the inlet mouth 12 to the device 10. The receptacle 29 advantageously includes a circumferentially arranged edge 29a. around the lower surface 29b of the receptacle 29. The edge 29a prevents untreated water from entering the container 25. For the purposes of In the description, the filter will be described as divided into the upper chamber 14 and the lower chamber 16, and the upper chamber 14 accommodates the spiral filter 30 and the lower chamber 16 contains, inter alia, the volume of the filtration means 64. and the membrane for cysts forming parasites 70. As shown in Figure 1, the upper chamber 14 is contained by the external circumferential wall., while the camera 16 is housed in a lower case 60. However, it should be understood that the filter is not required to be physically divided in the cameras 14 and 16, and the present invention encompasses both a device physically divided into cameras for facilitate manufacturing, as a device that includes a box within which the filter components are arranged. As will be described in more detail below, the spiral filter 30 is formed of a ribbon 32 on which the biocidal material 34 is fixed. The winding of the ribbon 32, either clockwise or counter-clockwise, results in the spiral structure 30, best seen in Figure 3. Alternatively, the ribbon 32 can being wound in helical form and sealed at its edges, which results in the helical structure 80 as shown in Figure 6. When the tape 32 is wound in a spiral manner, a space is left in the innermost portion thereof , which forms a core with central opening 36. The space between the innermost edge 32a of the tape 32 and the next adjacent roll 32b of the tape 32 form a filter inlet 38. At the other end of the tape 32, a portion bottom of the outermost edge 32c of the tape 32 is sealed to the previous adjacent winding 32d to form an outlet 40, as described below. With respect to Figure 4a, another embodiment of the spiral filter is shown as a filter 30 '. As with the filter 30, the filter 30 'is formed by a tape 32' on which the biocidal material 34 'is fixed. The upper surface 31 'of the filter 30' is conical in shape, and the upper surface 11b 'of the box 11' is also conical in shape. This configuration advantageously results in a better flow of fluid through the filter, since air entrapment in the filter is less likely due to the conical shape. Similarly, the lower part may be made to be conical, concave with the apex in the center. This would allow the liquid to flow under gravity out of the spiral. The spiral filter 30 is disposed within the box 11 in contact with the upper surface 11b and a lower supporting plate 42. The upper and lower edges 30a and 30b of the spiral filter 30 are covered with food-grade silicone or epoxy, and the spiral filter 30 is compressed against the lower support plate 42 and the upper surface 11b. This effectively seals the spiral filter 30 on its upper and lower surfaces to prevent water seepage from the filter. The water entering the filtering device 10 from the inlet 18 is introduced into the core with central opening 36 of the spiral filter 30. Because the filter 30 is sealed at its upper and lower edges 30a and 30b, the water is forced to entering the spiral filter 30 at the filter inlet 38 and traversing the entire length of the rolled ribbon 32 before leaving the spiral filter 30 at the outlet 40. Preferably, as best seen in Figure 4, at least the lower half, and, preferably, the lower 4/5 of the outermost edge 32c of the tape 32 are sealed to the anterior adjacent winding 32d, so that the outlet 40 is limited to the unsealed upper portion of the spiral filter 30. The seal is achieved, for example, by providing a length of belt 41, which covers the outermost edge 32c and the adjacent adjacent winding 32d. Alternatively, an adhesive such as epoxy may be applied to the lower portion of the outermost edge 32c. Because the water is thus forced out of the filter in the upper portion thereof, the filter makes it possible to trap the sediments found there. As stated above, the spiral filter is formed by a tape 32 on which a biocidal material 34 is fixed 34. Preferably, the tape 32 is made of a very thin polyethylene sheet., with a thickness that is in the range of approximately 0.030 inches. The tape 32, for example, may be a polyethylene sheet whose dimensions are approximately 8 feet by approximately 3 inches, "such that when the tape 32 is rolled up, the total diameter of the spiral filter 30 is approximately 4 1 / 2 inches The biocidal material 34 may be a copper-zinc alloy sold by KDF Fluid Treatment, Inc. under the trade designation "KDF-55." A list of the US patents relating to the KDF material is given below. : 4,642,192 5,122,274 5,135,654 5,269,932 5,198,118 5,275,737 5,314,623 5,415,770 5,433,856 5,510,034 5,599,454 KDF-55 is a pesticide device certified by the Department of Environmental Protection. has discovered that KDF-55 is effective in removing heavy metals from water, it is believed that this is achieved by an ion exchange resulting from the oxidation-reduction process, such that the heavy metals in the water adhere to the complex zinc / copper medium KDF -55 as the water passes. It is also believed that when said medium is used alone it is slightly bactericidal. Alternatively, the biocidal material 34 may already be a biocide that works by destroying the outer wall of the microorganism cell when contacted with the biocide for a sufficient period of time. The biocidal material 34 may also be another resin such as an ion exchange resin. A preferred alternative is to alternate KDF with iodine, as shown in Figure 5. With respect to Figure 5, the ribbon 32 is shown in its rolled up configuration. An adhesive 74 is applied to the tape 32, either continuously along the tape 32 or in strips. The adhesive 74 is preferably a fast-setting epoxy and / or an epoxy certified by FDA, such as that manufactured by Materbond, Inc., of Hackensack, New Jersey, and sold under the designation EP21LV, EP30, or EP75. The KDF and the iodine are then fixed to the ribbon 32 by the adhesive 74 in alternating tapes 76 and 78. One possible configuration is to provide one of each strip 76 and 78, in which case each strip 76 and 78 could cover approximately one half of the length of the tape 32, to provide a single reduction-oxidation cycle as set forth below. Another possible configuration is to provide multiple strips, 76 and 78 alternating repeatedly, as shown in Figure 5. While the fact of providing strips 76 and 78 that cover approximately one-half the length of the tape 32 has proven to be effective at exposing the microbes to a single reduction-oxidation cycle, the configuration shown in Figure 5 is advantageous when making smaller filters, since it increases the number of reduction-oxidation cycles to which the microbes are exposed. To provide a higher concentration of biocidal material 34, it may be advantageous to apply the adhesive and the resin on both sides of the tape 32. It is preferred that the tape 32 be wound in a sufficiently tight fashion to allow for easy flow and proper purification, since either spirally to form the spiral filter 30 or helically to form the helical filter 80, such that the ribbon coils are separated by a distance as small as the thickness of the biocidal material disposed therein. In other words, only the biocidal material 34 limits the contact of a coil of the tape with the adjacent coils. This is advantageous for various reasons. In the first place, this allows the use of a long belt, thus ensuring that the water travels through a prolonged path of contact with the biocidal material. Additionally, the tension of the coils allows only a small amount of water to cross the space between the coils, thus ensuring that the water and its contaminants are closely exposed to the biocidal material, as the water flows through the coil. spiral filter. If you want to improve the water flow rate through the filter, separating beads can be inserted between the adjacent coils of the tape. The spiral filter 30 can optionally be manufactured by winding the ribbon 32 within a spiral structure and spraying, or otherwise, by inserting the resin into the structure. Another alternative to manufacture the tape 32 is to use a thin polyethylene flexible tube, sprayed with adhesive on the inner surface. The tube can be filled with a biocidal material 34 such that the resin adheres to the adhesive. After removing the excess resin from the tube it can be folded and then rolled to obtain the spiral or helical shape. An annular retaining chamber 50 is formed between the spiral filter 30 and the inner surface 52 of the box 11. A plurality of exit holes 54 are provided, preferably, spaced around the outer circumferential edge of the lower surface 42. Alternatively, the lower surface 42 may be a porous membrane. The water flowing out of the spiral filter 30 is maintained in the holding chamber 50 to provide a period of additional contact with any biocide that has dissolved, until the water exits the lower chamber 16 via the outlet orifices 54. With respect to Figure 4, a lower chamber 16 includes a plurality of cylindrical or disc-shaped filter elements contained within the box 11. Specifically, a diffusing screen 62 is located directly below the bottom surface 31 of the chamber 14. The diffuser screen 62 is made of porous polyethylene and distributes the water that entered the lower chamber 16 via the circumferential outlet holes 54 along the entire surface area of the diffuser screen 62 to provide a more even distribution of the water flowing through the chamber 16. A volume of filtration means 64, joined on both sides by the porous lower separating discs 66 and 68, was spone below the diffuser screen 62. The filter media 64 is preferably charcoal activated with ion exchange beads or other materials, and thus, is effective in removing lead and other heavy metals as well as the iodine that may be present. used in the spiral filter, chlorine, pesticide and organic substances. The ion exchange material can also act as an agent for water softening. A membrane of parasite-forming parasites 70, made of polycarbonate and which is extremely thin, is placed underneath the lower disk separator 68 and is protected by a porous disc 72. The membrane for cyst-forming parasites 70 is held in place against the disc 72 by a retaining ring 71, located above and cemented to a membrane for cyst-forming parasites 70. The membrane is manufactured by a radiation process followed by acid etching that creates pore sizes of a specified diameter. Preferably, the pore sizes are of a diameter of 3 microns or less. These pore sizes allow the fluid to flow at a rate not affected by the parasite membrane. An example of a suitable membrane for parasite-forming parasites is manufactured by Poretics. The parasite membrane 70 removes cysts-forming parasites, such as Giardia lambia, from the water by filtration. Depending on the design factors, such as the type of output 18 desired, the porous disk 72 can be a separate component of the lower surface 11c of the box 11, as shown in Figure 4. This configuration provides sufficient space for the outlet 18 is in the form of an orifice fixed to an outlet tube, as described above in relation to Figure 1. Alternately, the porous disc 72 can form the lower surface 11c of the box 11. In this configuration, the plurality of outlet holes 24 can be formed in the porous disk 72. This configuration has the advantage of conserving space in the filtering device. The water entering the lower chamber 16 via the outlet orifices 54 enters the diffusing screen 62 and is distributed throughout the surface area of the diffusing screen 62. The water flows through the upper separating disc 66, the filter means 64, the lower separating disc 68, the membrane for cysts forming parasites 70 and finally the porous disc 72 before exiting through the filtration device 10 at the exit 18. The box, including the external circumferential wall lia and the upper and lower surfaces 11b, 11c, can be formed of any suitable material approved by EPA or the FDA for contact with drinking water, such as polyethylene. The helical or spiral filter 30 and 80, described above, provides a single advantageous reduction-oxidation cycle. Used alone, the biocidal resin KDF-55 removes lead and other heavy metals, chlorine, pesticides and organic substances and reduces the amount of bacteria. Iodine is typically used to destroy viruses. However, when used in sequence, KDF-55 coupled with iodine produces a unique reduction-oxidation cycle that has proven to significantly reduce the concentration of bacteria and viruses. During the reduction-oxidation process, the water that flows in intimate contact with the KDF-55 particles is reduced, that is, the electrons in the biological organisms increase. Because iodine tends to have affinity with electrons, the fluid that comes in contact with the iodine is oxidized, that is, the biological organisms lose electrons. Biological organisms are sensitive, and their reduction-oxidation states are maintained by delicate equilibria. Excessive reduction or oxidation destroys a significant portion of the proteins found in organisms. There is a theory that while bacteria and viruses can tolerate gradual changes in their reduction-oxidation environment, it is more difficult for organisms to fight against the reduction and oxidation cycle provided by the spiral filter. In this way, the fact of exposing the bacteria to the KDF-55 and later to an oxidation process stimulated by the iodine improves the elimination of the bacteria. There is also the theory that the spiral flow pattern of water in the spiral filter creates an electric field, which accentuates the elimination of bacteria and exerts an attic electric separation effect to extract contaminating particles, which include parasite-forming cysts , in suspension in the water. More specifically, as previously stated, the spiral or helical coil filter element can be coiled spirally or helically either clockwise or counter-clockwise. As an electrical potential develops over the length of the fluid flow path as the fluid flows, a second axially oriented electric field develops when the flow path is spiral or helical. Using the indispensable rule of electric field forces, the movement of electrons in a spiral direction imposes a force oriented in the axial direction on any charged particle, be it a bacterium, a virus, a parasite or other charged particulate impurity suspended in the liquid to purify. Depending on the direction of fluid flow through the spiral or helical filter, ie clockwise or counter-clockwise, the force on any particle charged in suspension may be in the direction of the fluid inlet or the output of the fluid. This secondary electric field acts to push any charged particle to one edge or the other of the fluid channel, the actual direction of the movement of the particle depends on the field of orientation and the charge of the particle. In this way, by varying the direction of fluid flow, either clockwise or counter-clockwise, in the form of a spiral or helix, the desired effect can be realized. It is also within the scope of this invention to place spiral or helical filters clockwise or counterclockwise, in series, to take advantage of the respective purification effect of each filter on positively charged suspended particles and in negative form. In this way, the filter of the present invention configures a physical principle of electrostatic separation that makes it uniquely capable of removing any particle charged in suspension, such as bacteria, viruses or parasites that form cysts. Also, this effect. separation increases as the flow rate of the fluid through the filter increases, because the electric field is magnified in direct proportion to the flow rate, making this filter design extremely suitable for high flow application, online . Similarly, a person skilled in the art will see that a smaller filter will provide a shorter flow path, thereby reducing the electrostatic separation effect of the filter. Thus, in a smaller filter, it is preferred to provide multiple reduction-oxidation cycles using the multiple alternating strips 76 and 78 of KDF and iodine as shown in Figure 5 to compensate for the loss of the electrostatic separation effect on a filter. smaller. The characteristic of providing a band of iodine and KDF in successive immediately adjacent stages within a thin channel sufficiently magnifies the antibacterial effect in such a way that the iodine used can be a low or zero residue iodine, and thus little or almost no iodine is released in the fluid to be treated. This can be especially advantageous since EPA and other government regulations regarding water filters require that in water treatment systems used regularly to prepare the water to be ingested, there are no significant levels of iodine in the long term. way to avoid toxicity in the long term. A prototype device, as described above, has been extensively tested to determine the device's potential to serve as a microbiological water purifier. - The results of these tests have been exceptional. The model of the test system used was made respecting as much as possible the specifications contained in the EPA document: "Guide Standard and Protocol for Tes ting Microbiological Wa ter Purifiers", the content of which is incorporated herein by reference. The test water used was deionized Detroit municipal water that was recontruded by adding AOAC Synthetic hard water to achieve the defined chemical properties of the "general test water", as described in the aforementioned document. Specifically, the chemical properties of the water included: Ph of 7.5 ± 0.5; TOCE 5ppm; turbidity £ 1 NTU; temperature of 21 ± 1 ° C; and TDS of 320 ppm. The device was tested with 5 gallons of test water per day for 30 days of testing, or a total test of 100 gallons. The test water was pumped through the entrance mouth of the device at a rate of 100 ml per minute. The unit was tested for 16 hours per day of testing, with a cycle of 8 minutes of "on" and 32 minutes of "off". Although the test protocol for discharge type units is not clearly defined in the EPA document, it is considered that the test protocol for this device, described below, is a rigorous testing of the unit in its estimated capacity of 100 gallons The test water included the bacterium Kl ebsiella terrigena (ATCCif 33257) at a concentration greater than 1 x 107 cfu / 100 ml, with the total test approaching its course at 1 x 1012. The logarithmic reduction required for the EPA Protocol is logarithm 6 (1 x 105 for me to less than 1 for 10 mi). The concentration of the influent and the effluent was measured once per test day. The bacterial virus Q-Beta was used as a model of animal virus such as Poliovirus. The cover of bacteriophage Q-Beta has a diameter of 25 nanometers and is ideal for testing Poliovirus filtration. Poliovirus is a member of the piconaviridae family of viruses and the size of the more than 200 animal viruses in this family ranges from 24 to 30 nanometers. Simian Rotavirus (the other virus required in the EPA Protocol) has a diameter of 80 nanometers and therefore should be easily removed by a Q-Beta remover device. The Q-Beta test was similar to the periodic test used in the EPA Protocol. The device was tested 10 times during the 20 days of testing at a concentration greater than 1 x 105 viruses / ml (10 times that required in the EPA Protocol for Poliovirus and Rotavirus). The virus reduction required in the EPA protocol is logarithm 4 (1 x 104 for me to less than 1 per mi). The concentration of virus (pfu / ml or plaque forming units) in the influent water and effluent was measured using the Q-Beta host Escherichia col i. The ability of the unit to remove parasites that form protozoan cysts was tested using oobacteria. ("oocyst") of the human pathogen Cryptosporidum parvum. The unit was tested 5 times during the 20 days of testing with a concentration from 4.7 x 105 to 7, x 105 oobacteria per liter. The limit of detection using a fluorescent spotting procedure was 300 oobacteria per liter in the effluent water. The reduction of bacteria that form protozsary cysts required by the EPA Protocol is three logarithm, even so, the filter does not give any detectable oobacteria in the effluent. This makes the reduction efficiency of the filter logarithm 3-5. The results of the tests are mentioned in the Annex A. With respect to Table 1, there are no detectable survivors of the bacterium Kl ebsiella terrigena during each of the 20 test series for an average logarithmic reduction greater than logarithm 8. This reduction is at least 2 logarithms greater than what the EPA Protocol requires and clearly indicates that this device can be used safely to remove potentially pathogenic bacteria from drinking water. The reduction of the bacterial virus A-Beta and the pathogenic protozoan Cryptosporidum parvum was also equally striking. As seen in Table 2 of Annex A, the bacterial virus used as a Poliovirus model was reduced by more than logarithm 6, and the "oobacteria" of Cryp tosporidum parvum were reduced to at least logarithm 3 (Table 3) and the limits of the test system were exceeded in approximately 2 logarithms, indicating a reduction of logarithm 3-5 of parasite-forming cysts. The results of this test meet or exceed the results required by EPA, as established in the Protocol document. Accordingly, the device of the present invention has been shown to purify water whose quality is unknown, safely. In summary, the water filtration device described herein provides important advantages over prior art filters. The reduction-oxidation cycle provided by the spiral filter has a unique effectiveness in reducing bacteria, as evidenced by the revealed test results. The combination of the spiral filter with biocidal material, the bed of the filtration media and the membrane for parasite formation of cysts, significantly reduces or eliminates the potentially toxic organisms usually found in water. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the water filtration device described above can be modified, for example, by providing a conventional stratiform filter, in concentric or horizontal layers, instead of the spiral or helical filter described herein. As with the spiral filter, such a layered filter would provide a long path of water flow to significantly increase the contact time with the biocidal material disposed therein. Said layered filter may also provide a reduction-oxidation cycle, as described herein. Said modifications are within the scope of this invention. The preceding embodiment of the filter 10 shown in Figure 1 uses a single spiral defining a flow path, which is coated with, for example, KDF and / or iodine in the manner described above. According to another feature of this invention, multiple coils can be provided as shown in Figures 20, 23 and 24 to improve the velocity of the total flow through the filter by a factor proportional to the number of coils. In a presently preferred embodiment, shown in Figure 20, three coils 100 are provided to define three spiral channels 100 'whose dimension, by way of example only, is intended to have a channel length of 24 inches, a height (is say, in a vertical direction) of about 3 inches and a channel width (i.e., the spacing between the opposite side walls of channel 101) of a distance equal to one or two times the average granular size of the KDF particles coating the side walls. The KDF material that lines the side walls of the channel 101 is preferably granular in shape and, as a percentage of the weight of crude KDF, represents the 31st smallest percentage of the particle size, by weight. As described above, the particles can be bonded with epoxy to the spiral. A non-solvent adhesive may also be used, such as a hot melt adhesive (preferably non-toxic). An example of a suitable hot melt adhesive is FPC 725 All-Temp comprising a hydrocarbon resin and ethylene vinyl acetate. Based on experimentationThis adhesive has proved to be useful in accelerating the process of bonding KDF to the reinforcing material that forms the spiral elements. In an alternate preferred embodiment, each stiffening element 101 is made of a piece of polyethylene or mylar of three inches by twenty-four inches. When adhesive is used to bond the KDF to the reinforcement 101, mylar is preferred since it has a higher melting point than polyethylene and is less subject to distortion when hot melt adhesive is used. The small granule size KDF material is preferably applied with hot melt adhesive to a mylar reinforcement sheet 101 having a thickness of between about 0.005 and 0.0075 inches. In another alternative preferred embodiment, which does not require the use of hot melt adhesive or other adhesive, or a mylar reinforcement sheet, polyethylene or polypropylene is extruded in a known manner. While hot, the KDF material whose temperature has also been properly raised close to the melting point of the extruded material is poured and then rolled onto the polyethylene or polypropylene reinforcement and adhered to the material in this manner. Alternatively, the hot KDF granular material can be pressed into the already cooled piece of polyethylene or polypropylene reinforcement material. Figures 7-13 are illustrations of an alternative preferred embodiment of a filter 110 comprising a first part 112 containing a triple spiral KDF 114 mounted on a second part 116 containing a charcoal base 118 (see Fig. 12) , a pre-filter 120 and a corrosion membrane 122. The two parts 112 and 116 are preferably removably mounted to each other (eg: via bayonet-mounted or screwed coupling) to allow more frequent replacement of the second part. , since the first part or the spiral holder contains the spiral KDF 114 will tend to have greater longevity. The spiral KDF 114 is preferably mounted inside a cylindrical cup 124 (Fig. 9) having a closed bottom part (eg: by means of a circular disc 126 heat sealed or otherwise attached to the lower edge of the cylinder) in a preferably tight or slightly loose coupling with the internal cylindrical side wall 128 thereof. EJ Cup-type bra 124 is inserted (the top end open first) on the bottom of the fastener <; = n larger diameter cylindrical spiral 112 to locate the fluid inlet 130 [urinate on the upper wall 132 of the first part in coaxial alignment with the center 134 of the spiral 114, ensuring that the fluid that will be filtered first enters the center of the spiral and then flow through one of the three spiral channel flow paths 100 to the fluid outlet 136 (Fig. 20) located at the rear end of the trailing edge radially outwardly of the spiral coils. The fluid exits spiral 114 upwardly and outwardly on top edge 138 of cup 124, within an annular region defined between the outer cylindrical surface 140 of the cup and the inner cylindrical surface 142 of the spiral holder 112. circular disc .126 that closes the lower end of the cup 124, as shown by P? Figure 10 is formed with a plurality of appendages spaced in circumferential and equidistant form 144 preferably formed in diametrically opposite pairs, so that each pair defines an external diameter equal to the internal diameter of the spiral fastener 112. Appendices 144 can be fixed in adhesive form to the first part of the inner wall 142 to locate the cup 124 therein. It will be understood that the spaces 146 between the adjacent appendages 144 define drainage openings through which the fluid exiting the spiral 114 flows downward towards the second part 16 of the filter 110. The above arrangement advantageously ensures that the channels 100 'spirals remain fully immersed in fluid to prevent the KDF or other active material from drying between periods of use. It has been discovered that the KDF material, for example, can lose its activity if it were to dry. The outer lower portion of the spiral fastener 114 can be formed with thread strips 148 adapted to engage with the corresponding internal fillets 150 formed on the upper edge of the internal cylindrical wall 152 of the second part 116 (see Fig. 7, 8 and eleven) . Together, the first and second filter portions 112 and 116 form the filter cartridge 110 that can be placed on top of a container or can be used in some other way that occurs to those skilled in the art after reviewing these. Specifications. It is not essential that the first and the second part 112 and 116 be screwed together or that the internal and external threads 148 and 150 be formed in the manner described above. Other types of enclosure mechanisms are contemplated (eg: a bayonet mount).

Certainly, in some applications where both parts of the filter 110 can be replaced simultaneously, the first and second portions 112 and 116 can be mounted together in a fixed manner. In the alternative embodiment cited above, it is also preferred to seal the lower edge 154 of the scroll 114 to the disc 126 to form the bottom portion of the cup, thereby preventing the fluid from deviating from the spiral flow channels 100 'by circulating radially. under the lower spiral edges. In the preferred alternative embodiment of the filter 110, the first part 112 is disclosed for use in a container-mounted and gravity-fed configuration, and may have nominal dimensions of 3.75 inches in outer diameter, 3 3/8 inches in diameter. height, with the cylinder and disc elements preferably made of 1/8 inch thick acrylic material. Of course other materials and other dimensions are possible. The second filter part or lower part 116 also has a cylindrical configuration whose nominal external diameter dimensions are 4 1/2 inches and a height of 1 1/8 inches. With reference to Figures 11-14, the second filter part 116 can be formed with a series of multiple layers within it. The first layer or top layer 160 may be a nylon fabric or other type of liquid permeable material that defines the highest extent of a cavity 162 containing, for example, granular charcoal and ion exchange resin. contained inside loose. The lower part of this cavity 162, shown in Figure 12, is defined by a membrane "sandwich" 120, 122 and 124. The base 118 preferably has a thickness of 1/2 - 3/4 inches. The membrane sandwich preferably has a corrosion membrane (ie, the membrane for parasite cyst-forming parasites) 122 to remove the cysts-forming parasites whose size is 3 microns, and an ACNS 120 pre-filter located above the membrane. corrosion to remove some type of sedimentary material that could otherwise clump together and clog the corrosion membrane. It will be understood that the presence of one or more pre-filters is optional. An important preferred feature of the present invention is the discovery that the corrosion membrane 122 has an excellent and operable flow rate when used in a gravity-fed medium, for example, under the gravitational force of several inches of water. As understood by the present inventor, conventional industrial practice should use corrosion membranes in pressurized in-line systems where high-pressure flow is considered critical to achieve adequate flow rates through the membrane. The discovery of the present inventor about the fact that corrosion membranes can be used under low gravity flow conditions, as described above, is considered novel because the flow velocity through the gravity feed membrane has been discovered. It is approximately 20 times greater than predictable. Also included within the scope of this invention is the construction of a filter consisting solely of one or more corrosion membranes 122, of the type described above, in the event that the sole objective of filtration relates only to the removal of forming parasites. of cysts in a feeding medium by gravity. The outer periphery of the pre-filter 120 and the corrosion membrane 122 can be sealed to the cylindrical inner wall of the second part 116, or they can be placed and held by a porous nylon fabric reinforcement disc 164 as shown in FIG. Fig.12 The pre-filter 120 and the corrosion membrane 122 generally have two different coefficients of expansion when wet. The pre-filter 120 expands and the corrosion membrane 122 actually contracts and therefore both move disproportionately in opposite directions when wet. According to another characteristic of the invention, it is desirable to assemble the pre-filter 120 and the corrosion membrane 122 in very tight contact with each other when both are wet and have already experienced the respective expansion and contraction. As assembly of wet materials is often difficult, a preferred alternative manufacturing method according to another aspect of the present invention is to stretch the pre-filter 120 and the corrosion membrane 122 before attaching the peripheral edges thereof to a ring support. cylindrical. Once stretched, the pre-filter and the corrosion membrane can be subsequently wetted and put together. When the flat surfaces of these materials come together, it is important to remove the air between these flat surfaces. Otherwise, trapped air will block the fluid path between the pre-filter and the corrosion membrane. To prevent air retention between surfaces, it is possible to immerse these materials in a fluid. However, a preferred manufacturing method is to use a convex-shaped dome 165 formed of a compressible material adapted to initially contact the centers of both materials to gradually draw air in a radially outward direction as the dome (s) enter. in contact progressively with the radially outward portions of the materials. This type of manufacturing method is schematically shown in Fig. 14. There, the dome 165 can be formed of a press-type material of expandable membrane 167 that is inflated in the direction of the arrow A under the force of pressurized air. Figures 15-21 are diagrammatic illustrations of the schematic process showing various novel techniques for manufacturing the KDF coated tape material. Although in the alternative preferred embodiment the unique use of KDF granular material as the active material within coil 114 is disclosed, it should be understood that other materials may be used to treat water or other fluids, in replacement of KDF, or in combination with the KDF, to achieve the desired effects. For example, it may be placed on the KDF tape and iodine alternately at successive adjacent intervals, as stated above in connection with the filter 10. It is also possible to preferably use non-KDF granular materials to remove the metal contaminants from the water coming from the filter. of industries, residences or municipalities, or other types of streams processed. Figure 15 is an illustration using a preformed roll 172 of polyethylene or polypropylene tape material (eg: 20-30 mil thickness) that is gradually unwound from a coil having a horizontal axis of rotation. Heat-melt adhesive 174 is then sprayed onto the upper and / or lower surface of the unrolled material 172 and distributed uniformly along the surfaces by upper and lower brushes 176 (eg: made of aluminum). Alternatively, molten polyethylene or polypropylene can be extruded into the tape sheet as shown in Figure 16. Following any of the forming methods shown in Figures 15 or 16, the hot KDF granular material 176 is preferably poured over the upper surface of the tape 172 and then wound into adhesive or bonding contact with the surface of the tape using a pair of press rolls 178. An appropriate rotating mechanism (not shown in detail) can be used to strike lightly. to the tape 172 (after having separated the press rolls 178 from each other in retracted positions) so that excess KDF granules can fall off the surface of the tape and can preferably be recycled. Then additional KDF material 176 is applied on the surface of the newly exposed opposite tape to achieve pressure contact below the now extended press rolls 178. In certain circumstances, it may be desirable to apply KDF material 176 to only one side of the tape 172, leaving the opposite tape surface free of material. In other circumstances, it may be desirable to apply KDF material 176 on one side of the material and another material (iodine, for example) on the opposite side. It is also within the scope of the present invention to provide more than one material on one of the sides of the belt at successive intervals along the length of the belt. Those skilled in the art will readily understand, based on the foregoing description, how the manufacturing processes disclosed herein can be modified to achieve these alternative design options. It should be understood that hot KDF material 176 is preferably used on preformed tape surfaces to ensure a bonding connection with the surface. When used with polyethylene or polypropylene materials, the KDF 176 granules are preferably preheated to about 350 ° F. Even if they are used with freshly extruded polyethylene or polypropylene material, it is desirable to preheat the KDF material to ensure the proper union with the surface of the tape. Fig. 18 is a schematic illustration of the process that reveals a way of winding three or more of the tapes manufactured according to the process shown in Fig. 15-17 in a triple spiral form 114. Three of the tapes covered with material enters a guide arrangement 180 which serves to align the lateral edges of the tapes with each other. The staggered conductor ends 182 of these tapes are respectively forced to enter the three circumferentially spaced retaining grooves 184 formed in the length of a cylindrical surface having an axis of rotation L extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tapes. juxtaposed. The adhesive nozzles (not shown in detail) are strategically positioned to apply hot melt adhesive beads or other types of adhesive beads 186 in both laterally spaced positions along the length of the ribbon to connect in The adhesive forms the plurality of tapes together and thereby form a multiple tape roll which can be used to form multiple coils 114 of the type described herein (as also illustrated in FIG. 19). In the embodiments described above, it is preferred that mylar have a thickness of between 0.005-0.075 inches as a belt reinforcement material. It has been discovered that mylar of approximately 0.075 inches in thickness is preferential within this range since it does not distort as much when heated, has very good tensile properties and does not stretch very easily.

The KDF 176 granules are approximately 0.1-0.8 mm, and preferably 0.5 mm. Fig. 20 is a perspective view illustration of a triple spiral cylinder of assembled KDF 100 or 114. As will be mentioned above, the upper and lower ends of the spiral cylinder 114 are respectively sealed to a polyethylene disc 126 which has been heated to a temperature at which the fused polyethylene joins the spiral edges to define a sealed flow path between the spiral channels 100 '. The resulting structure of Fig. 21 can simply be dropped into the holding cup 124 which is shown in Fig. 9 of the embodiment of the filter 110. The outermost surface of the triple spiral winding 124 shown in Fig. 20 is preferably also found covered with KDF or other material according to the unique manufacturing methods described hereinabove. In this way, when the water leaves the spiral in contact with the internal cylindrical surface of the wall of the cup, the covered outer wall creates a separation between the spiral and the inner wall of the cup to prevent restriction of flow. In the preferred embodiment, mylar or polyethylene tapes when covered with the FCP heat-melt adhesive require approximately 3-6 grams of adhesive per linear foot. According to the granular size of the KDF material 176, about 0.5-2.5 grams of KDF material can be used to cover each square inch of the tape surface. This range is not intended to be a limiting factor for the present invention and other types of cover densities may be possible without departing from the scope of the present invention. Another embodiment is illustrated in Fig. 22 which is particularly useful in pouring containers such as those sold by Britas. This embodiment is directed to a small replaceable cartridge that is placed in a receptacle in a pour container. These cartridges are advantageously more effective than the cartridges that are currently available in the removal of bacteria, cyst-forming parasites and viruses. As illustrated in Fig. 22, a replaceable cartridge 200 includes a plastic top 202 and a plastic bottom 204 that are snapped together. Alternatively, top 202 and base 204 can be joined by fusion. Additionally, the base 204 may also include a longitudinal channel 206 filled with charcoal and / or other material including ion exchange resin. A spiral filter element 208 is placed inside the base 204. The spiral filter 208 is sealed at the bottom by a sealing disc 210 which may also have a membrane incorporated in the disc 210. The purpose of the base 204 is to maintain the water level at its maximum height so that the filter element 208 can be kept completely wet. There is a radial opening between the outer diameter of the spiral element 208 and the internal diameter of the base 204. The sealed disc 210 may be made of any typical injection molded plastic such as polyethylene or polypropylene. The sealed disc 210 is of the same material as the base 204. A radial separator or membrane holder 212 is positioned at approximately the longitudinal midpoint of the base 204. The radial separator 212 may also be referred to as a membrane holder. The membrane holder 212 is a molded part of plastic. As shown in Fig. 22, the membrane holder 212 extends from about the midpoint of the base 204 to the bottom thereof.

The membrane support 212 approximately has a cylindrical shape with certain irregularities, such as folds, which would provide openings for the proper flow of water therethrough. The spiral element 208 has about3 inches tall while base 204 is approximately 2 1/2 inches tall. As shown in Fig. 22, the membrane 208 extends outwardly beyond the base 204. The direction of the water flow is downward through the center of the spiral 214 and through a channel 216 formed by the spiral in clockwise or counterclockwise. The upper part 202 has an internal surface in a sealed relationship with the membrane filter 208. The water is directed through the upper part 202 towards the center of the spiral filter member 208 and travels in the clockwise direction or in the counterclockwise direction through the spiral to an area between the outer diameter of the spiral member 208 and the internal diameter of the base 204. The area may be filled with a filter medium such as carbon. firewood. The water then flows down to the longitudinal channel 206. The upper part 204 has a ventilation opening which allows the equilibrium of the air pressure between the outside air and the space between the spiral and the membrane. The spiral member 208 is formed of a tape material that is preferably 3 inches wide and 6 inches-12 inches or more in length. The tape is a waterproof material whether it is covered with mylar or a substance similar to the sailboat that would hold granular material. Accordingly, the tape will direct the flow spirally along its length and will not allow any flow through it.As shown in Fig. 23, a filter element 208 is shown which is termed the triple spiral configuration. It should be understood that the number of spirals can be any number greater than 1. Preferably, the number would be between 1 and 10, because above 10 the filter becomes too large, as shown in Fig. 23, three. layers of tape material 250, 252, 254 are wound one on top of the other forming three spiral paths between them.The purpose of the spiral configuration is that it provides a compact configuration for a fluid flow path.The length of the path can be varied Depending on the number of spiral layers, additionally, the relationship of the length of the path and the diameter or circumference of the unit provides different relationships. ntatives of a spiral member will demonstrate the relationship as discussed in this. A triple roll of three mylar strips two feet long each will have a circumference of 8 inches and a diameter of 2.5 inches. A length of one foot travel for each of the spirals would have a circumference of 5.5 inches and a diameter of 1.5. A path length of 6 inches would have a circumference of 4.25 inches and a diameter of 1.375 inches. The above relationships contemplate using a specific granular size attached to the mylar tape. The use of a coarser material in the spiral will make the spiral smaller or larger since the spiral is wound between each layer of the spiral. A rougher material will have a more open path and a lower resistance. This will result in a higher flow velocity at a given pressure. A less rough material will result in a lower flow velocity at a given pressure. The flow velocity can be improved by making the spiral higher resulting in lower resistance, while the other dimensions remain unchanged. This is because the height is in direct proportion to the cross-sectional area of each of the fluid flow paths. Depending on the efficiency and homogeneity the fluid flow actually has through the spiral, the base 204 can be removed around the spiral, for example, the base 204 can be removed if it is proved that the flow velocity is greater through the part top of the spiral that through the bottom. The purpose of the base 204 is to help keep the filter element 208 moist, however, it may be necessary to make holes in the base at the appropriate points to direct the flow in a generally optimal (homogeneous) manner through the spiral. A further consideration is that the spiral element 208 can be inverted thereby reversing the flow. For example, if the flow were counterclockwise (sic) and the filter element was inverted, the flow would then turn counterclockwise. At a theoretical level, one configuration may work better than another, considering the fact that the spiral flow in the northern hemisphere is counterclockwise and is clockwise in the southern hemisphere . So far, the flow path of the water has been directed through the center of the spiral element 208 and flows radially outward therefrom. Alternatively, the water could be directed from the diameter of the filter element 208 and flow radially inward therefrom. It is anticipated that the two provisions are comparable and should have the same efficacy with respect to the characteristics of the flow. As previously stated, it is possible to implement a potential reduction-oxidation cycling process within the spiral 208. This is achieved by making the fluid flow path have materials with different reduction-oxidation potential (by coating their walls). The manufacture of a spiral element 208 is achieved by placing one or more strips with their stepped ends and then wound around a mandrel. The spiral filter element can be formed with one or more strips in such a way that an additional channel is formed with each additional strip. The multiplication of strips and channels allows the resistance to flow to be improved and proportionally improves the flow through the spiral. When estimating the ratio of the total path length to the diameter and circumference of the cylinder formed by the spiral, the total path length should be considered as the sum of the total path length of all individual flow paths given that the The diameter of a single rolled length of 6 feet is the same as that of three lengths of 2 feet rolled length. After rolling the tires, their ends should be sealed. This can be done by using hot melt adhesive with which the ends are covered and which is pressed in such a manner that it seals the ends of the spiral filter element and that it is pressed a little inside each of the channels. This sealing of the ends is very important because the fluid could otherwise pass from a part of the spiral and cross the immediately adjacent channel. With the spill, the effectiveness of the unit can decrease drastically. Each strip of mylar is covered with KDF. The granularity of each of the KDF strips can be varied. For example, KDF 55 appears as a rough material. The KDF 55 is then passed through a series of sieves and all granular measurements less than 30 are collected. This is in accordance with the No. 30 Series of the United States which is the Tyler equivalent of 28"mash", the sieve opening is 595 microns or 0.0234 inches. The tape containing KDF is made by placing mylar which is covered with hot melt adhesive on a bed of granular KDF 55 of a sieve size less than 30, then heating the KDF to approximately 425-450 ° F. Then pressure is applied with a roller to the KDF in such a way that it is pressed and imbibed in the hot melt adhesive on the surface. Alternatively, instead of the mylar cover and the hot melt adhesive, polyethylene could be used but the KDF should be pressed more firmly and care should be taken to ensure that the polyethylene does not overheat and become distorted. It should be understood that the distribution of the granularity (size of the particles) in the cover can be modified to achieve different speeds and flow efficiencies as indicated by the different applications.

The triple spiral configuration of Figure 23 can also be formed with three or four inches of iodine as the conductive material followed by six to nine inches of KDF material to provide a reduction-oxidation cycle. Figure 24 is an illustration of a triple spiral inside a triple spiral. The innermost spiral can be covered with iodine in the different ways described above and the outermost spiral can be covered with KDF material, in the same way as described above. These separate spiral configurations allow the fabrication of each individual triple spiral with one type of material only, unlike the modification to the single spiral of Figure 23 described in the immediately preceding paragraph. The foregoing designs described herein may be used to treat water and other streams processed in different types of markets and industries. For example, single filters according to the present invention can be used in water bottling plants. In the bottling plants formed, the filters constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention can also be used in portable water units commonly used in certain countries and in commercial aviation aircraft to replenish the fresh water reserves on board using the water obtained in the different ports of call in other countries. Other applications include the water provided to the different places of use by means of trucks. In certain countries, domestic water is often available only during predetermined hours during the day. For example, in certain third world countries, it is not uncommon for domestic water piping systems to be pressurized by municipalities for only two hours per day. This phenomenon is disadvantageous in a vacuum that is generated in domestic supply lines that can suck up sewage and other pollutants. In this way, the water filtration units according to the present invention find optimal use in these types of systems. Although the water filters described above in the present invention are disclosed to be used preferably in units mounted with gravity-fed vessels, it will now occur to those skilled in the art that the filters of the invention may also be used in other types. of pouring and in-line systems as they are known in the art and as briefly described hereinbefore.

Filters constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention can also be used in other fields. For example, spiral KDF line filters can be used in the treatment of industrial sewage to remove lead. Other types of materials, in replacement of the KDF, can be used to remove other kinds of metals. It should be understood that the spiral configuration is best suited for applications that require reduced size. It is within the scope of the present invention to treat water and other tributary streams with non-spiral configurations of the invention wherein the walls of the channel are covered with KDF and other types of materials with extremely close spaces between the side walls of the channels Opposites limited by one or two times the thickness of the granular materials that line the walls. This unique arrangement prevents laminar flow between the sidewalls of the channels and ensures turbulent flow and proper diffusion of the liquid to obtain complete activating contact with the materials lining the walls of the channels. It is also within the scope of the present invention to provide a pour or container mounted filter provided solely with a KDF material and / or an iodine sequence material to achieve only bacteriological reduction. Those skilled in the art will clearly see that the present invention fulfills all the objectives set forth above. After reading the above specifications, those skilled in the art will be able to make numerous changes, substitutions of equivalent aspects and various other aspects of the invention as it is broadly disclosed herein. Accordingly, it is intended that the protection granted to it be limited only by the definitions contained in the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims (11)

1. CLAIMS 1. A filter for purifying a liquid, the filter is characterized in that it comprises: a box with an inlet through which liquid is received and an outlet mouth; a filter structure including a spirally wound structure, having a first biocidal material and a second biocidal material secured therein, the structure of the filter being adapted to the liquid received from the inlet mouth and to substantially allow all the liquid traversing substantially along the entire length of the spirally wound structure in extended intimate contact with the first and second biocidal materials, the filter structure includes an outlet for directing the liquid from the filter structure - an annular retention chamber, adapted to receive the liquid from the outlet, the annular retention chamber includes a plurality of exit holes; a volume of filter media through which the liquid is passed, the liquid entering the volume of filter media through the plurality of outlet holes.
2. 2. The filter according to claim 1, characterized in that the rolled structure has a spiral configuration.
3. 3. The filter according to claim 1, characterized in that the biocidal material includes a copper-zinc-iodine alloy, the copper-zinc alloy and iodine consecutively or in alternate succession secured to the belt.
4. 4. A method for filtering water characterized in that it comprises: introducing the water in a filter so that the liquid passes through a spiral or helical channel in intimate contact with at least one cycle of first and second biocidal material; and establish the path of the liquid coming from the filter.
5. 5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that the path longitudinally is provided by using a rolled filter structure that includes a helically wound tape and includes an inlet mouth and an outlet to the outside thereof, the first, and second biocidal materials being held in place by the tape, the liquid entering the filter in the inlet mouth and exiting the spiral filter structure at the outlet to enter the holding chamber.
6. 6. A reduction-oxidation method for eliminating biological organisms, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: (a) placing the first and second biocidal material by attaching the first and second material to the liquid impermeable walls, which are adapted to form a spirally or helically arranged channel, (b) exposing biological organisms to the first biocidal material over a period of time, the first biocidal material increases (or decreases) the amount of electrons in biological organisms; (c) exposing the biological organisms to the second biocidal material for a period of time, the second biocidal material decreases (or increases) the amount of electrons in the biological organisms; wherein the cyclic increase and decrease in the amount of electrons in biological organisms kills biological organisms.
7. 7. A filter adapted for placement in a container for purifying water flowing through the filter only under the influence of gravity, characterized in that it comprises a box that includes an inlet through which water is received and an exit mouth; and a porous structure to remove cysts forming parasites located in said box to remove the cysts forming parasites and without bacteria from said water under gravity feed, emptying through the use of a single condition, an operationally assembled structure, connected to the box for mounting the porous membrane structure to remove the cysts forming parasites to the container; and a reservoir mounted in the box, the reservoir being open to allow variable amounts of water to be contained within the reservoir for purification by means of the filter.
8. 8. A filter for purifying a liquid, characterized in that it comprises: (a) a container with filter having an inlet mouth and an outlet mouth and a longitudinal axis extended between both; (b) the filter having an elongated channel disposed in a predetermined geometric configuration; and (c) a filter material positioned in said channel, wherein substantially a total surface of the inner walls impermeable to the liquid of said channel has the filter material adhered to it.
9. 9. A method for removing parasites that form cysts from a liquid, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: a) placing a filter in communication with a liquid supply from which the parasites that form cysts are removed, said filters they include a porous structure that removes parasites that form cysts that have operable pore dimensions to trap parasites that form cysts from the fluid that flows through the structure; and b) direct the supply of liquid within the filter only under gravity feed pressure, such that the porous structure that removes parasites that form cysts is effective to remove the parasites that form cysts under liquid without pressure and only with influence operated by gravity, wherein the filter is connected to an open tank in communication with said liquid supply in such a way that the liquid is fed from the tank into the filter only under the influence of gravity. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that the filter is mounted on a water container. A filter, characterized in that it comprises: a member defining a channel having an inlet mouth and an outlet mouth, said channel coated with at least one material reactive with a liquid flowing through the • channel, which also includes more than one of these channels. SUMMARY A pouring device (10) for filtering water fed by gravity includes a chamber (11) housing a spiral filter containing a biocidal material and an annular retention chamber, a spiral filter (30, 80) and the retention chamber (64), several porous separating discs, a volume of filter media and a membrane (70) are located underneath, for the cysts forming parasites below the spiral filter and the clamping chamber. The device (10) is effective in that it significantly reduces the amount of bacteria, viruses and parasite-forming parasites present in the filtered water. The filtering device is a fully adjustable design for use in the municipal water supply system and other systems. The configuration of the flow path can be a thin channel of minimum thickness coated with granular active material to improve; the efficiency of the filtering and treatment process while keeping the flow resistance to a minimum. The spiral or helical geometry lends itself to a compact arrangement where space is limited. The fluid channel coated with granular material interrupts the laminar flow and creates an inhospitable environment for the growth of contaminating bactericidal substances such as a biofilm typically found and described in The Water Lines for Dental Treatment.